Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Well, you know summer is here because reports of the Lakers and Giannis are already out there. 

A report from Dan Woike and Sam Amick at The Athletic noted that the Lakers are expected to be part of potential trade talks for Giannis that everyone expects will begin to percolate as soon as the playoffs are over. Interestingly, the report came in the context of noting that Luka Doncic, who the Lakers are definitely in the business of keeping happy, would not want Austin Reaves included in any deal for Giannis. (Of course, Austin would have agree to sign with Milwaukee, as well.) 

So on the one hand, Giannis would move the needle because he's still an excellent player. In a down year, he averaged almost 28 points, 10 rebounds and six assists a game, and in under 30 minutes a night. Two years ago, the numbers were at an MVP level. Of course, one reason his numbers were down is injuries, which are starting to pile up. Giannis is also going to require an extension that will take him into his mid-30s, costing around 70 million a season. 

So injuries plus money is a real problem in the new CBA.

On the other hand, the Lakers would be obligated to listen not just because of the talent, but because the price to acquire him would be small. This year's draft pick, the two others LA can trade, and likely some pick swaps that become more or less meaningless because they'll likely never be used (short of disaster scenarios and rapid improvement by the Bucks). 

So what's the right way to look at this? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon

 

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

 

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttps://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON.

 

Wayfair
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. 
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.   

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's a reflection of LeBron's still-strong influence on the league that four days into the offseason for the Lakers, the "will James return" discourse is already in overrdrive. And it reflects the significant pressure under which Rob Pelinka will operate this summer, because it's an important part of an offeason that internally and externally is expected to be one of significant progress. 

Maybe not enough to catch the Thunder and Spurs atop the West, but one where the path to another title for Luka is a lot more clear. 

So Brian Windhorst of ESPN laid out some interesting context Thursday, noting that LeBron doesn't see himself as some sort of legacy player or a novelty act. While he gets the landscape broadly, he also made an All-Star team this year, and expects to be treated, if not paid, like one. 

So how do the Lakers handle it? How can they build the requisite amount of trust in an offseason that will probably require the Lakers to renounce LeBron's rights (or sign him quickly) in order to make the rest of the offseason work? Like, what do they do about Rui Hachimura? Because LeBron's salary impacts what the Lakers can pay Rui. And what about Austin Reaves? And anyone else that they want to add in order to make longer-term improvements than LeBron can provide, definitionally. 

But next year is part of Luka's prime, and they can't just let talent walk. 

It's a pickle! 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian kamenetzky 

 

SEGMENT 1: Will LeBron play hardball with the Lakers? 

 

SEGMENT 2: Why LeBron isn't just about LeBron. 

 

SEGMENT 3: LeBron is a big impediment in a narrow road to improvement. 

 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon

 

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

 

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttps://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON.

 

Wayfair
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. 
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.   

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the moment he returned to the lineup in this year's playoffs, Austin Reaves was squarely in the spotlight. 

The results were a mixed bag. Reaves struggled mightily with his perimeter shot against both Houston and the Thunder, and was turnover prone against both teams as well. On the other hand, Reaves was freely able to get into the paint against both of these defenses, which are two of the best in the game. That belies some of the concerns about A.R.'s ability to perform against physical wing defenders. If Reaves could have hit triples at even a 30 percent pace, his overall numbers would have looked significantly different. 

Of course, those are all questions of offense. On the other end, Reaves struggled, as teams tried to set him up to defend on ball in space. The Thunder, with Ajay Mitchell, were particularly successful at it. 

And obviously that problem doesn't get solved with Luka next to Reaves? 

So are you more comfortable or less now that the playoffs are over with the idea that the Lakers might need to pay Reavse $35 million next year? Maybe more? On the other hand, if he goes, the Lakers likely don't have the means to replace him. How do the Lakers look at the rest of the roster, if those two are the frontline players? 

Oh, and Luka wants him back.  

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon

 

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

 

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttps://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON.

 

Wayfair
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. 
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.   

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Lakers are at yet another crossroads with LeBron James, and even as it seems like the interests of the franchise and the interests of its former franchise player are more aligned than they were six months ago, there's still the lingering question of whether James returns to the team next year. 

Those questions got a little question-ier when ESPN's Dave McMenamin -- certainly very well plugged in to the LeBron camp -- authored a story describing moments of frostiness between James and the team. It included slights (whether real or perceived) and some potentially odd behavior that would be legitimately disrespectful by the team towards LeBron. But the bigger question is what all of this means. How much do moments like these matter for a player that may not have tons of appealing options to play meaningful basketball next year (especially if James demands a big salary), a franchise that doesn't have lots of easy ways to replace him, and a history together that has always been more transactional than emotional? 

In the grand history of LeDrama, how much does any of this even register? 

No question, the context is different. LeBron is at a different part of his career. He's always had control of the relationship not only with his team, but with the league more broadly. His role on teams he'll play on is different. 

So what does it mean? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

SEGMENT 1: New instances of LeDrama? 

 

SEGMENT 2: Why does this happen? 

SEGMENT 3: What's next for James and the Lakers? 

 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon

 

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

 

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttps://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON.

 

Wayfair
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. 
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.   

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Luka Dončić announced earlier this week on his IG page that he won't be playing for Slovenia this summer. He cited his ongoing custody dispute and the demands travel would bring as the reason, as opposed to his injured hamstring, but for the Lakers the effect is the same. It means that Luka will have a full summer to heal, train and essentially repeat last year's Summer of Luka. They'd never ask him to skip international play—the Lakers know how important it is to Luka—but the organization surely is more than happy for Dončić to avoid extra play and focus on getting his body together and trying to make that hamstring as strong as possible. 

So the inciting incident certainly sucks, but the upside for the org is there nonetheless. 

Moreover, reporting indicates that Luka is quite pleased with life in LA, and has been impressed by new owner Mark Walter. And, for what it's worth, he'd like to see Austin Reaves return. 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon

 

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

 

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttps://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON.

 

Wayfair
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. 
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.   

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.